"This is a dream destination for so many!"
Here's a brief Xiamen travel guide:
⌚⌚Best Time to Visit
March–May and September–November are ideal. Spring offers mild weather and blooming flowers, perfect for outings and photography. Autumn boasts cool temperatures and delicious seafood, while also avoiding the summer typhoon season and winter rains.
🌈🌈Recommended Attractions
Gulangyu Island
Known as the "Garden on the Sea" and a "time museum of international architecture," Gulangyu is home to many well-preserved colonial-era buildings with exotic charm. Stroll along the cobblestone alleys of Longtou Road, explore the beauty of Shuzhuang Garden, listen to "Gulangyu Waves" at the Piano Museum, and ascend Sunlight Rock for panoramic island views in the evening. The "Wormhole Bookstore," tucked away in a century-old villa, is a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. Arrive before 7am to avoid crowds, wear comfortable shoes, and book ferry tickets in advance via the "Xiamen Ferry +" WeChat official account (¥35 round trip).
Xiamen University & Huandao Road
Xiamen University is one of China's most beautiful universities, with its Nanyang-style architecture reflected in Furong Lake. The Lu Xun Museum offers a glimpse into modern literary history, while the nearby Baicheng Beach is a popular sunset spot (reservations required 3 days in advance via the "Xiamen University Visitor Reservation System"). Rent a bike and cycle along Huandao Road from Music Square to Yefengzhai, enjoying the sea breeze, rustling palm trees, and seafood stalls.
Nanputuo Temple
Located at the foot of Wulao Peak, this renowned Buddhist temple boasts a rich history and attracts many worshippers. Visit the temple, admire its architecture, climb Wulao Peak for stunning city views, and savor the temple's famous vegetarian spring rolls. Enjoy a vegetarian meal amidst the morning and evening bells. Free entry, open from 8am–5pm, with free incense available at the entrance.
Jimei School Village
Founded by the patriotic overseas Chinese, Tan Kah Kee, this village houses Jimei University and other schools with unique architectural styles. Visit Jimei University, Ao Garden, and Tan Kah Kee's former residence to learn about his life and achievements. Take the Xiamen Metro Line 1 (Gaoqi–Jimei School Village section) for a "Spirited Away"-like experience and enjoy authentic Minnan snacks like Dashe Satay Noodles and Liansheng Fried Noodles.
Xiamen Botanical Garden
This comprehensive botanical garden combines research, education, and tourism, showcasing a diverse range of plant species. Explore various plant collections, including the succulent area and the rainforest world. Capture stunning photos during the rainforest misting sessions. The west entrance offers closer access. Tickets are ¥30, open from 6:30am–5:30pm, allow approximately half a day for your visit.
🍚🍚Food Recommendations
Satay Noodles
Xiamen's signature noodles, featuring alkaline noodles in a fragrant satay sauce soup, topped with fish balls, pork liver, and other ingredients. Try Sili Satay Noodles (Hubin Sili branch).
Oyster Omelet
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this oyster-based dish is fried until golden brown and served with sweet and spicy sauce. Lianhuan Oyster Omelet on Zhongshan Road is a popular choice.
Sand Worm Jelly
Made from sandworms, this jelly is served with soy sauce and mustard, offering a refreshing and chewy texture. Ximen Sand Worm Jelly (Douxi Road) is worth a try.
Peanut Soup
Sweet but not greasy, this soup features soft-boiled peanuts in a sweet broth, often paired with youtiao (fried dough sticks) for a classic breakfast. Huang Zehe Peanut Soup (Zhongshan Road main branch) is even better with an added egg.
Tong'an Sealed Meat
Averaging around ¥60, this traditional Minnan dish features tender, flavorful meat.
🏠🏠Accommodation Recommendations
Gulangyu Island
B&Bs are concentrated on Longtou Road and Quanzhou Road, offering retro vibes. Consider the Li Jiazhuang Hotel, a century-old Nanyang-style villa with antique furniture and afternoon tea in the garden, or the Ligan Hotel, with its Nordic minimalist style and rooftop terrace overlooking red-tiled roofs.
Zhongshan Road/Xiamen University Area
Conveniently located, budget-friendly options like the Hanting Hotel (Zhongshan Road branch) are available.
Zengcuoan
A favorite among art enthusiasts, B&Bs here average ¥150–300 per night. Oneday Island offers stylish accommodations a 5-minute walk from the beach.
🚗🚗Transportation Guide
External Transportation
Xiamen has an airport and a high-speed rail station. The airport BRT provides direct access to the island.
Internal Transportation
Public buses cost ¥1 per ride, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) costs ¥2–5, and the subway covers major attractions. Metro Line 1's "seascape section" from Gaoqi to Jimei School Village offers views of the cross-sea bridge and tidal flats. Gulangyu Island is accessible by ferry, and transportation on the island is limited to walking or electric buggies (¥50 per person).
❤️❤️Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Attraction Warnings
Zengcuoan is heavily commercialized with repetitive snacks; sample sparingly. The Huashan Grottoes focus mainly on light displays and offer low value for money.
Consumption Warnings
Beware of counterfeit Gulangyu specialties (like "Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor"); purchase them in the city center instead. Roadside "cheap day trips" may include shopping stops; choose reputable travel agencies. "Pearl opening" on Zhongshan Road is often a scam; proceed with caution. "Internet-famous" milk tea shops on Gulangyu Island are overpriced; try local pastry shops instead.